16th January 2026 
Leave a commentExperience Carnival in Malaga, one of the most colourful and vibrant events on the Costa del Sol’s lively calendar. Enjoy parades, spectacular lights, street food and open bars in the city centre, concerts, dancing and drag queens. The event attracts over 600,000 visitors each year. Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy Carnival in Malaga 2026.
Just a little history
The history of Carnival can be traced back more than 500 years, but the Carnival of Málaga as such dates from 1887, with parades, dances, costume contests, and other street activities.
It was banned for many years during Franco’s dictatorship, from the Civil War until 1979, when it resurfaced with the arrival of democracy.
What awaits you during Carnival in Malaga?
Get ready to experience the vibrant street life! Locals naturally love to celebrate and enjoy life outdoors (the weather certainly helps!). And if they can dress up, even better!
Be prepared for crowds everywhere. On public transport, in the streets, in the bars.
Malaga Carnival Program 2026
The Malaga Carnival 2026 will be celebrated from February 7th to 15th, culminating in the symbolic burial of the anchovy on La Malagueta beach. This year’s edition will feature over 90 activities.
Malaga Carnival Program 2026
These are the main events during the week. But there’s much more every day. In the city centre, there are a total of four stages where the typical Murga groups perform (musical and theatrical groups that perform satirical and critical songs about current social and political events).
Saturday, February 7 – Plaza de la Constitución: The official start of the Málaga Carnival festivities begins with the grand opening at 8 pm. The event includes the selection of the Carnival Gods who officially represent the Carnival throughout the week.
Sunday, February 8 – The Grand Carnival Parade winds through the streets of Málaga starting at 5:30 pm, ending in Plaza de la Constitución.
Friday, February 13 – Plaza de la Constitución: Drag Queen Gala starting at 8 pm.
Saturday, February 14 – Calle Larios: Starting at 800 pm, the traditional Battle of the Flowers takes place, where everyone throws colourful paper petals and streamers.
Sunday, February 15 – Plaza de la Constitución and Malagueta Beach: Starting at 2 pm, there will be the “Gran Boqueroná” (fried anchovies, a culinary highlight during the Malaga Carnival). Get your free portion of fried anchovies at Plaza de la Constitución.
A parade full of colourful floats will accompany the giant anchovy from Plaza de la Constitución, through the port, and down to Malagueta Beach.
There, the Burning of the Boquerón will take place, marking the official end of Carnival.
Activities in the neighbourhoods
Alongside the main festivities, different neighbourhoods will host carnival activities. On Saturday, January 31st, the traditional Perchelero stew will be served; on February 8th, there will be a carnival paella in Palma-Palmilla; and on February 14th, noodles will be served in El Palo. All events will begin at 1 pm and will feature various performances by different groups.
Costume shops in Malaga
One thing is clear: You can experience Carnival in Malaga as an observer.
Or you can fully immerse yourself in the fun. For that, a costume is essential! Here you’ll find several shops in the city centre specializing in costumes. Get yours now!
Did you know that…?
Why do people from Málaga call themselves “Anchovies”?
People from Malaga are nicknamed “boquerones” (Anchovies) because this fish is an emblem of their gastronomy and maritime culture, making the anchovy a symbol of identity.
Boquerones are abundant along the coast and prepared in a very distinctive way, especially fried and with lemon. This has created a strong connection between the people and this local product.
Christmas Lights for Carnival
Malaga reuses its Christmas lights for Carnival. So, if you missed the spectacular light displays, this is your second chance to see them along Calle Larios, with several additional Carnival motifs added, making the street look even more spectacular.
The Battle of Flowers in Malaga was a social protest
What today is mostly confetti and laughter, actually has an interesting historical background.
In 19th-century Málaga, the upper class used to parade through the streets of the historic centre on their way to their grand annual masked ball, dressed in their finest attire and riding in luxurious carriages. The working class responded to this ostentation by throwing flowers at them.
The weather during Carnival in Malaga
The weather during Carnival in Malaga is spring-like for our visitors from northern Europe.
However, February is the coldest month in Malaga, with average temperatures around 16 degrees Celsius (61 degrees Fahrenheit). The city enjoys approximately 10 hours of sunshine per day in February. Sunrise is around 8 am and sunset is around 7 pm.
